Canadian Prices Announced for 2019 INFINITI QX50

Nissan’s luxury division INFINITI has announced Canadian pricing for the different versions of its upcoming 2019 QX50. The redesigned luxury SUV made its media debut this past January in California, and it should be available to consumers as of this summer.

The automaker has also launched a unique rewards program to entice consumers to reserve their new QX50 prior to May 31 (the reservation carries no commitment). By registering on the INFINITI site and sharing the news on Facebook or Twitter, INFINITI will offer rewards that climb in scale as more people sign up.

Here’s how the program works: Anyone reserving their QX50 by May 31 will receive a one-year Apple Music subscription. The rewards will increase (with Apple TV 4k and an Apple Watch added to the mix) if the total number of registrants surpasses the 1,000 mark, and again if the total hits 2,000. All buyers will then benefit from the rewards.

As for the product itself, the price for the Luxury 2.0t AWD variant is set at $44,490. For the Essential 2.0t AWD version, which has four trims, prices are the following: $48,990 (BASE model), $52,990 (ProACTIVE), $56,490 (Sensory) and $57,990 (Autograph).

INFINITI is betting heavily on the QX50, specifically due to the mechanical setup it is incorporating. The 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo engine benefits from new technology that allows for real-time variation in the compression rate. The system, which we had the opportunity to test out during the launch of the vehicle in January, is very efficient and helps conserve fuel while offering maximal power.

The catch with the new setup is that only a CVT is on the menu, and its marriage with the engine setup is a problematic one. The premium driving experience you would expect from a luxury model is just not present with this configuration.

So while the QX50 certainly has many qualities, the actual driving experience may leave some wanting more. The problem has little to do with the transmission itself, which does a great job in other INFINITI models. It’s just not in its right place here…